Santiago, Chile, Aug 26, 2010 / 20:05 pm
The president of the Chilean Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Alejandro Goic, encouraged Chileans this week to seek the national unity that was achieved 25 years ago during the country's transition to democracy.
“In 1985, a climate of polarization undermined national unity, leading to confrontations between people that went to violent extremes,” the bishop recalled.
Nevertheless, he explained, “amidst that scenario of pain, a group of visionary leaders strove create a minimum of understanding between the different groups that were seeking a peaceful return to institutional normalcy.” Then-Archbishop of Santiago, Cardinal Juan Francisco Fresno, worked together with a number of public officials to achieve this end, the bishop said.
Dialogue, the acceptance of differences, and respect for dignity were the pillars of that process, he continued, noting that years later, John Paul II would say, “Chile has a vocation to understanding and not confrontation.”